36C24118Q0300-008.docx

FedBizOpps Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation

CLASSIFICATION CODE

SUBJECT

CONTRACTING OFFICE'S

ZIP-CODE

SOLICITATION NUMBER

BASE NOTICE TYPE

RESPONSE DATE (MM-DD-YYYY)

ARCHIVE

DAYS AFTER THE RESPONSE DATE

RECOVERY ACT FUNDS

SET-ASIDE

NAICS CODE

CONTRACTING OFFICE

ADDRESS

POINT OF CONTACT

(POC Information Automatically Filled from User Profile Unless Entered)

DESCRIPTION

See Attachment

AGENCY'S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT'S EMAIL

ADDRESS

EMAIL DESCRIPTION

ADDRESS

POSTAL CODE

COUNTRY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

* = Required Field FedBizOpps Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation Rev. March 2010 B Copy of NEPEC Data Entry Svcs 01730 36C24118Q0300 05-04-2018 N 518210 Department of Veterans Affairs VAMC Bedford 200 Springs Road Bedford MA 01730 Questions Related to 36C24118Q0300

1. The vendor shall provide a means for error detection concurrent with data entry such that the data entry operator can provide a clearly visible indicator or the error on the form itself. This is accomplished by identification of each range error and unacceptable data on the physical form by “tagging” (i.e., using small yellow self-adhesive notes) the form at the point of error with a brief description of the error, (i.e., “column 26 out of range”, “left blank”, etc.).

The scope requires the creation of data entry program, hence relying on technology to collect the data from the form. The step above requires manual intervention. Will the government accept "tagging" of images of forms instead of "tagging" of paper forms?

Answer from NEPEC: No. The paper tags protruding from the edge of the paper forms serves as a cue to NEPEC staff who then takes appropriate corrective action. An electronic tag on form images would not provide this cue.

2. NEPEC requires that the vendor complete data entry for a given form within a maximum of three business days from its submission for jobs as defined by one crate.

What is the estimated count that we will receive in a crate?

Answer from NEPEC: One crate typically holds approximately 800 PTSD forms, or about 9600 individual pages within folders; in addition, one crate typically holds approximately 1000 double-sided VSS forms, typically not separated within folders. PTSD requires processing of about 250-400 forms every two weeks, placed in one crate.. VSS requires processing of about 1800-2250 forms every two months, placed in two or more crates.

3. The vendor is responsible for initiating and maintaining a system for transportation of all forms and products. All costs associated with the transportation of the forms shall be the responsibility of the vendor The Price schedule provides total counts of the four form types processed in base year and option years. So if there are 11000 VSS forms in one year what will be typical lot size that we receive and how many different times will we receive VSS forms n a year?

Answer from NEPEC: VSS requires processing of about 1800-2250 forms every two months, although this schedule can vary depending upon NEPEC’s needs.

4. In order to aid the vendor in estimating the costs for the DPP, included is an example of a column coded style form, representative of the forms currently used at NEPEC. The column-coded style is used by approximately 90 percent of the forms. The column-coded style primarily uses numbers as allowable values (approx. 90%), but may also require mixed case, date formatting and mixed alpha and numeric fields requiring range checks (approx. 10%).

Not clear as to whether these forms are single pages (front + back) stapled together, or in booklet form ( for example a 6-page form is created using a folded 11 X 17 and an 8 1/2 X 11 insert), or in some other format.

Answer from NEPEC: All pages are 8 ½ x 11 inches; PTSD forms are stapled upper left corner, 5-6 single-sided pages. VSS form is double-sided, 1 page.

We understand that collection services need to be performed in the USA. Our teaming partner is a global outsourcing company and our technology platform for data entry and data capture will be configured and customized in India- we cannot divulge our intellectual knowledge to local US vendors without incurring significant competitive harm. Will the government have an objection to this?

Answer from NEPEC: The intention of the contract is to have all work performed in the USA and no processes beholden to any company outside of the USA. The purpose is to protect sensitive information contained on the forms which may or may not, even in the aggregate, divulge information to foreign interests.